Electronic device

ABSTRACT

So that, in an electronic device, in particular a games device, the execution of a plurality of different functions, in particular game functions, can be performed in a very simple and inexpensive manner, the device comprises a main module ( 1 ) and at least one sub-module ( 2 ) connectable thereto, wherein the sub-module ( 2 ) includes a circuit ( 13 ) which in co-operation with a further circuit ( 5 ) in the main module ( 1 ) enables the device for executing a function specific for the respective sub-module ( 2 ) and wherein the circuit ( 13 ) in the at least one sub-module ( 2 ) is in the form of an organic circuit. In that case the sub-module ( 2 ) can be selected from a plurality of different types of sub-modules each having respectively different circuits for different functions.

The invention concerns an electronic device.

Electronic devices, for example games devices, permit the execution offunctions (games) in dependence on a function logic (game logic)contained therein, wherein the function (game) can be influenced by wayof input means, in the simplest case can be switched on and off, anditems of information occurring in connection with execution of thefunction (items of game information such as for example game statuses,sequence of players or defeats suffered by players) can be opticallyand/or acoustically displayed by way of display means. The functionlogic can be implemented in the form of hardware and/or software in thedevice.

As is known from Fraunhofer Magazin 4, 2001, pages 8 through 13,conducting or semiconducting plastic materials have for some time nowopened a way to inexpensive mass production of electronic components andcircuits. Examples in this respect are foil batteries, organic solarcells, displays comprising organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) andintegrated circuits of (semi-)conducting organic materials such as forexample polymers (integrated plastic circuits=IPCs). Terms such asorganic electronics, polymer electronics, polytronics, electronicplastics or conductive polymers are often used synonymously for that newtechnology. In that case, the complete component or the complete circuitdoes not have to consist of organic materials, but it is sufficient forthe parts which are crucial for the function involved to comprise theconducting or semiconducting organic material.

The object of the present invention is to provide an electronic devicewhich in a simple and inexpensive manner permits the implementation of alarge number of different functions.

In accordance with the invention that object is attained by anelectronic device comprising a main module and at least one sub-moduleconnectable thereto, wherein the sub-module includes a circuit which inco-operation with a further circuit in the main module enables thedevice for executing a function specific for the respective sub-moduleand wherein the circuit in the at least one sub-module is in the form ofan organic circuit.

The device according to the invention is preferably a games device, thefunction being a gaming function.

The essential advantage of the electronic device according to theinvention is that, depending on the respective sub-module connected tothe main module, it is possible to implement different functions of thedevice, wherein the sub-module can be produced at very low cost as amass-produced article by virtue of the fact that its circuit is in theform of an organic circuit. In that case the sub-module can be selectedfrom a large number of different types of sub-modules each havingrespectively different circuits for different functions. In thisconnection the sub-module itself is preferably in the form of a plasticcard or foil on which the circuit is embodied for example using aprinting process, for example employing polymers in solution (so-calledelectronic ink). Therefore the plastic card and in particular theplastic foil, as a mass-produced article which is very cheap to produce,can be added at no cost to different sales products such as for examplejournals and magazines, foodstuff packagings, surprise eggs and soforth, with more and more new functions. Here the term functions, suchas for example games functions, is used to denote both completeindependent functions, for example complete games, and also parts offunctions, for example parts of a game, or function variants, such asfor example variants of a function. Thus for example a plurality ofdifferent sub-modules can be fitted to a toy spaceship as the mainmodule, which sub-modules perform different games functions such as forexample a protective shield function, attack weapons, spaceship drive,on-board power supply. Connecting the sub-module to the main modulegenerally involves fixing the sub-module to the main module, for examplealso glueing it on, in which case the two circuits communicate with eachother either in contact-linked fashion, for example by way of a plugconnector, or contactlessly, for example by way of a transponderfunction, for example radio frequency identification—RFID, or optically,for example with a light- emitting element and a light detector.

In order to make the sub-modules attractive for collecting orexchanging, it can advantageously be provided that at least twosub-modules can be connected to the main module, which sub-modules canbe selected from a large number of different types of sub-modules eachhaving respectively different circuits, wherein it is only withpredetermined combinations of types of sub-modules, that the circuitsthereof, in a condition of co-operating with the further circuit in themain module, enable the device for performing a function which isspecific for the respective combinations of types of sub-modules. Thusfor example two game players can execute a given function jointly withthe games device according to the invention only when the sub-moduleswhich are in the possession of the players permit that in combination.

As a cheap mass-produced article the sub-modules are preferablyconceived as a throw-away article, for which purpose one of the twocircuits in the sub-module and the main module respectively hasswitch-off means which detect use of the sub-module on the main moduleand permanently prevent further co-operation of the two circuits after apredetermined extent of use has been exceeded. In the simplest case theswitch-off effect takes place in the sub-module, insofar as the circuitthereof, for example by virtue of an alteration to an item of bitinformation which is relevant in terms of function, is altered or isdestroyed at a location which is relevant in respect of function. Theprevention of further co-operation of the two circuits in the main andsub-modules can be effected after single use or multiple use. In thatrespect the switch-off means for detecting the extent of use of thesub-module are preferably adapted for monitoring the performance of theexecuted function, for example the performance of the game, wherein, independence on the game status, after a predetermined number of gamemoves or actions on the part of the player or after a predeterminednumber of played, won or lost games, further use of the sub-module isrendered impossible.

The functions which can be performed by the device can be implemented inthe form of function logic in the circuit of the main module, whereinthe circuit in the sub-module has enable means for enabling therespective specific function in the main module. In addition oralternatively the circuit in the sub-module may include an additionallogic which, together with a function logic contained in the mainmodule, permits execution of the respective function. In that case theadditional logic and the function logic can be implemented in hardwareand/or software terms in the respective circuits of the main andsub-modules.

For influencing the function executed by the device according to theinvention and/or for displaying items of information which occur inconnection with function execution, the at least one sub-modulepreferably has input means, for example a press switch or sensor, and/ordisplay means such as for example an organic light emitting diode, anelectrochromic element or an electroluminescent element.

For further description of the invention attention is directedhereinafter to the Figures of the drawing in which:

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment by way of example of the device according tothe invention in the form of a games device, and

FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment by way of example of the deviceaccording to the invention with a plurality of sub-modules.

FIG. 1 is a view in the form of a simplified block circuit diagramshowing the electronic games device comprising a main module 1 and atleast one sub-module 2. As indicated in broken line the main module 1can possibly be adapted for use with further sub-modules 3.

The main module 1 includes a circuit 5 which is fed from a power source4, for example a battery or a solar cell, and with which a functionlogic, here a games logic, is embodied in hardware and/or softwareterms. Connected to the circuit 5 are input means 6, for example keys orsensors (for example for temperature or light) for influencing the game,and display means 7, here for example a loudspeaker 8, a lamp 9 and adisplay 10 for acoustic or optical display of items of game information.The circuit 5 also has a connecting portion 11, for example a plugportion or an inductive pick up, for the electrical connection of thesub-module 2, and possibly further connecting portions 12 for thefurther sub-modules 3.

The sub-module 2 also includes a circuit 13 with input means 14connected thereto for influencing the game and display means 15 fordisplaying items of game information, as well as with a connectingportion 16 for connection to the connecting portion 11 of the mainmodule 1. The structure of the further sub-modules 3 corresponds to thatof the sub-module 2. The circuit 13 of the sub-module 2 includes anadditional logic which is embodied in hardware and possibly softwareterms and which, together with the game logic contained in the mainmodule 1, permits execution of a game function which is specific for therespective sub-module. The circuit 13 of the sub-module 2 furtherincludes switch-off means 17 which detect the use of the sub-module 2 onthe main module 1 and permanently prevent further co-operation of thetwo circuits 5 and 13 after a predetermined extent of use has beenexceeded. The switch-off means 17 here are in the form of a logicportion which is required for functioning of the circuit 13, for examplea given bit combination, which, during the game process, for exampleafter a predetermined number of games have been played, is permanentlyaltered by the circuit of the main module 1, for example destroyed by aflow of current. The sub-module 1 is then no longer to be used.

The circuit 5 in the main module 1 takes over the main work involved inperformance of the game function while the circuit in the sub-module 2only looks after minor tasks which however are indispensable for playingthe game. Accordingly the circuit 5 of the main module 1 iscomparatively complex and is typically produced using conventionalsilicon technology. The comparatively simple circuit 13 and the inputand display means 14 and 15 of the sub-module 12 are in contrastembodied using polymer electronics, here in the form of IPC and OLED, inwhich case the sub-module 2 itself is in the form of a plastic card orfoil.

FIG. 2 shows a main module 19 which is in the form of a toy spaceshipand to which four different types of sub-modules 20, 21, 22 and 23 eachwith respectively different circuits can be connected at differentlocations. Each of the sub-modules 20, 21, 22 and 23, in a condition ofco-operating with the circuit in the main module 19, performs a partialfunction, such as for example a protective shield function, attackweapons, spaceship drive and on-board power supply, in the context of anoverall game function. The partial functions can be independent of eachother so that the game can also be performed only with one sub-module,for example 21, but then in a restricted scope, or the partial functionscan be dependent on each other so that a game is possible only when oneis in possession of at least two, three or all four mutually suitedtypes of sub-modules. A different combination of mutually suitedsub-modules permits another game variant with the same main module 19.Other types of sub-modules may be unusable for the toy spaceship 19shown here, but suitable for other types of game devices.

Instead of the games devices illustrated here by way of example, it isalso possible to envisage other electronic devices, for examplecommunication devices or medical devices, in which case the sub-modulesenable the respective main module to perform different communicationfunctions or patient-related diagnostic functions.

1. An electronic device comprising; a main module; and at least onesub-module electrically connectable to the main module, wherein thesub-module includes an electric circuit which in co-operation with afurther electric circuit in the main module enables execution of afunction specific for the respective sub-module and wherein the circuitin the at least one sub-module is organic.
 2. An electronic device asset forth in claim 1 wherein the main module circuit and sub-modulecircuit are arranged to form a the function of a game.
 3. An electronicdevice as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one further sub-moduleis electrically connected to the main module, which sub-modules areselected from a plurality of different types of sub-modules each havingrespectively different circuits, wherein it is only with predeterminedcombinations of types of sub-modules, that the circuits thereof incooperation with the further circuit in the main module, enableperformance of a function specific to the respective combinations oftypes of sub-modules.
 4. An electronic device as set forth in claim 1wherein the sub-module is in the form of one of a plastic card and aplastic foil.
 5. An electronic device as set forth in claim 1 whereinone of two circuits in the sub-module and the main module respectivelyhas a switch-off arrangement which detects the use of the sub-module onthe main module and permanently prevents further co-operation of the twocircuits after a predetermined extent of use is exceeded.
 6. Anelectronic device as set forth in claim 5 wherein the switch-offarrangement is adapted to monitor the progress of the function beingperformed, to detect the extent of use of the sub-module.
 7. Anelectronic device as set forth in claim 5 wherein a circuit in thesub-module has enable means for enabling the respective specificfunction in the main module.
 8. An electronic device as set forth inclaim 5 wherein a circuit in the sub-module includes an additional logicwhich together with a function logic contained in the main modulepermits the execution of the respective function.
 9. An electronicdevice as set forth in claim 5 wherein the sub-module has input meansand/or display means for influencing the function or display of items ofinformation occurring in connection with execution of the function. 10.An electronic device as set forth in claim 6 wherein a circuit in thesub-module has enable means for enabling the respective specificfunction in the main module.
 11. An electronic device as set forth inclaim 6 wherein a circuit in the sub-module includes an additional logicwhich together with a function logic contained in the main modulepermits the execution of the respective function.
 12. An electronicdevice as set forth in claim 7 wherein a circuit in the sub-moduleincludes an additional logic which together with a function logiccontained in the main module permits the execution of the respectivefunction.
 13. An electronic device as set forth in claim 6 wherein thesub-module has input means and/or display means for influencing thefunction or display of items of information occurring in connection withexecution of the function.
 14. An electronic device as set forth inclaim 7 wherein the sub-module has input means and/or display means forinfluencing the function or display of items of information occurring inconnection with execution of the function.
 15. An electronic device asset forth in claim 8 wherein the sub-module has input means and/ordisplay means for influencing the function or display of items ofinformation occurring in connection with execution of the function.